Murder is a Piece of Cake (A Baker Street Mystery Book 2)

“Who had a motive for killing Clayton Davenport?” I asked.

There was a long pause before Leroy said, “You mean other than April, you, and me?”

“Yes.”

There was another long pause.

Hannah broke the silence. “I can think of three folks off the top of my head.”

We all stared, but Hannah’s eyes looked sharp and clear.

“Who?” April asked.

“Candy was madder than a wet hen when April closed down her shop,” Hannah said.

“That’s right,” I said. “I’d almost forgotten.”

“According to the papers Clayton showed me, she and Paul Rivers weren’t legally married,” April said.

“Yeah, but this is the twenty-first century, not the Dark Ages,” Tyler said. “Nobody cares about that stuff anymore.”

“Maybe,” Hannah said, “but it doesn’t look good for the daughter of a minister.”

Tyler tapped his pen. “Yeah, but her dad’s a pacifist.”

April stole a glance at Tyler before continuing. “I think she had an alibi last night.”

Tyler caught the look and held up a hand. “Okay, let’s get everything out on the table. Candy and I went out a few times. I thought things were going well, but . . . apparently, she didn’t.” He shrugged. “I’ll admit I was disappointed, which is why I spent last night using rum, tequila, and I think drain cleaner to purge her from my system.” He shook his head and winced. “Well, if she wants to hang out with another supposedly wealthy old geezer and miss out on all of this.” He motioned from his head to his feet. “Then, that’s her loss.”

Despite his jokes, it was clear that Tyler was hurt. “I’m sorry, Tyler,” I said.

“I don’t think she killed the guy, but she’s the best we’ve got right now, so I’ll put her on the list.”

“I think Candy had an alibi last night.” I shared how I’d seen Chris Russell’s car parked outside her shop. A thought popped into my head and I turned to April. “Wait. You blocked off the building. How did she get upstairs?”

“Chris Russell filed a restraining order to keep Clayton from moving forward until there was a court case, so I had to let her go back in.”

I looked to Tyler. “Do you think she’d talk to you?”

“I can give it a try. We’re supposed to be friends. I can give her a call. She wanted help setting up her computer system for the coffee shop, and I still have some papers I need to return.”

“I’ll try talking to Alma.” I turned to Leroy. “We still have some of those croissants left, right?” Alma Hurston, my next-door neighbor, was Candy’s mom. She was also addicted to Leroy’s croissants.

“No, but I can whip up another batch real quick. Don’t worry.”

“She loves those. I’ll take a plate over and see what I can find out.” I turned to Hannah. “Who else?”

“That woman claiming to be Marjorie Rivers. She didn’t look none too happy about any of what Clayton Davenport was forcing her to do.”

“Claiming to be?” April asked.

“Do you really not remember her?” I asked.

“There’s something different.” Hannah shook her head. “Of course, it’s been years since I last saw her. And my memory isn’t what it used to be.”

I reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. “None of our memories are what they once were.”

Tyler snapped a finger. “I almost forgot. I saw her and Clayton Davenport in a heated argument last night.” Tyler held up a hand to halt the barrage of questions and then massaged his temples. “They were in the town square. Abernathy was making his speech opening the Spring Festival. Davenport was standing behind the mayor. That’s when Marjorie stormed up and started really letting him have it.”

“What did she say?” I asked.

“I couldn’t actually hear what they were saying, but based on their body language, she was furious. She was pointing and waving her hands.” He shook his head slowly. “Sorry.”

“I’ll bet Clayton didn’t like that,” April said.

“His face turned purple, and I thought his head was going to pop off like a Pez dispenser. But again, I couldn’t hear what he said.” Tyler looked sheepish. “I’m sorry.”

“We can talk to Marjorie and try to figure out what the argument was about,” I said. “Okay, well, that’s two.” I turned to Hannah. “Who’s the third person who might have killed Clayton?”

Hannah glanced at me, but I could tell it was too late. Her eyes were glazed, and she’d already zoned out. “Do I know you?”